Colorado's Black Hawk Board of Aldermen approved an ordinance banning bicycle riding on almost every street in town, including its only paved street. The police are now issuing a ticket to anyone "caught riding" through town. Attempts by Bicycle Colorado to get the ban lifted have failed. The City Council has made it clear that they have no intention of changing their ordinance.
The legality of the ban is now being tested in courts and it is instructional to read the defense brief in complete detail. My guess this ban was initiated by more than a concern for the Bicycle Level of Service on these roads.
Being familiar with Nashville's recent BLOS and PLOS (Bike and Pedestrian Levels of Service) studies, a similar ban of bicycles on C, D and below would render Nashville a city impassable by bicycle. If Tennessee is going to realize the benefits of active living through walking and biking, this kind of legislation can never be passed in any town in Tennessee. And hopefully our citizens will continue to embrace walking and biking as a good thing for their communities, even if safely passing a bicycle results in 5 seconds added to their trip.
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